Bonfire ends in brawl over religion and demons

A father and his two sons landed in jail after talk of religion and demons at a Memorial Day weekend bonfire led to a drunken brawl. Prosecutors charged Timothy Neal, 44, of Elk Grove Village, and twin sons, Timothy Wade Neal and Daniel Allan Neal, both 18, with felony mob action on Tuesday. Their bond is set at $30,000 each.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department said deputies were called to the 1200 block of Clifton Street near Collinsville at around 4 a.m. on Saturday to respond to a report of battery.



“The victim had been talking about religion and demons when the other three became upset and started whipping up on him,” said Madison County Sheriff’s Capt. Brad Wells. Wells said he didn’t know what specific religious issue incited the fight, but that talk of demons apparently put the fight over the edge. He said that eyewitnesses support the victim’s claims.

The victim had injuries to his face and was taken to a hospital. The two twin sons were also charged with illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.